Thirty-one percent of cactus species are threatened with extinction, primarily due to the illegal trade of live plants and seeds. Key threats include unsustainable harvesting and smallholder livestock ranching, affecting 47% of threatened species.
A new study from the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute shows that about 15% of patients with bioprosthetic aortic heart valves develop blood clots on the leaflets, which can impair valve motion. However, anti-coagulation medications like Warfarin quickly resolve the issue for all patients, regardless of the type of valve or procedure.
A study published in Sexual Medicine found that postcoital dysphoria affects 46% of women, leading to feelings of melancholy or depression. The study also revealed a relationship between negative emotions and potential evolutionary functions.
Risk assessments can help identify patients most likely to abuse opioids by reviewing family history, lifestyle, and environment. Clinically useful guides like the Opioid Risk Tool offer good predictive value for physicians.
Researchers develop novel mouse model for Leber hereditary optic neuropathy and demonstrate successful gene therapy in improving visual function. The approach could aid therapy development for various mitochondrial diseases, with a clinical trial currently underway.
A new Brown University study found that patients who require high-cost services like hospital, at-home, or nursing home care are more likely to switch from private Medicare Advantage plans to traditional Medicare. This shift occurs despite federal policy aimed at preventing it, raising questions about the effectiveness of current regul...
Researchers at Rockefeller University have detailed the structure of the ion channel Slo2.2, which helps regulate potassium ions and prevent overstimulation in neurons. The discovery sheds new light on how neurons reset after intense activity and could potentially inform treatments for epilepsy and intellectual disabilities.
The University of Pittsburgh will lead a $15 million, five-year initiative to manage national clinical trials for breathing disorders. The program aims to develop new treatments for conditions like COPD and pulmonary hypertension.
A new class of light-emitting quantum dots has been introduced, enabling precise control over their fluorescence brightness across a range of colors. This innovation allows for more accurate measurements of molecules in diseased tissue and improved quantitative imaging capabilities.
A commentary published in CMAJ argues that prescribing antibiotics after joint surgery has little evidence to support it. Research suggests that bone cement impregnated with antibiotics is a more effective practice, but its use is not widespread.
Tropical storm Choi-Wan is intensifying with heavy rainmaking storms and cold cloud tops reaching -63F/-53C. The storm is forecast to strengthen into a typhoon before turning north.
A recent study found that leader-humor's effect on subordinates' job satisfaction depends on the relationship quality between leaders and their subordinates. Positive or negative humor use by leaders is positively related to subordinates' job satisfaction when the relationship is good.
Healthcare workers play a crucial role in combating female genital mutilation (FGM), with nurses and midwives being key to detecting and protecting at-risk children. However, lack of education, awareness, and protocols can hinder efforts to eradicate FGM.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new fabrication method to attain better than 15-percent energy conversion efficiency from perovskite solar cells larger than one square centimeter area. The process, which involves growing ultra-smooth films of perovskite crystals, reduces defects and increases efficiency.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that teenage girls who compulsively text do worse academically compared to their male counterparts. The research suggests that compulsive texting is more problematic than mere frequency of texting, as it involves trying to cut back and feeling frustrated.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found that people with anorexia nervosa have distinct microbial communities compared to healthy individuals, which is associated with some psychological symptoms. The study suggests that altering gut microbiota could help patients with weight maintenance and mood stabilization.
NASA's Aqua and Terra satellites captured infrared data on October 5, revealing powerful thunderstorms with cold cloud tops near Hurricane Joaquin. The storm maintained its comma shape as it brought heavy rains and strong winds to Bermuda.
The American College of Physicians recommends against routine pelvic exams for asymptomatic adult women due to low diagnostic accuracy. In contrast, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology maintains that annual exams are necessary for recognizing issues like incontinence and sexual dysfunction.
A new study published in Nature Neuroscience found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder struggle to transfer learned knowledge to new contexts when trained through repetition. In contrast, breaks in repetition allow autistic individuals to learn efficiently and generalize, promoting broader concept understanding.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created a new flame retardant made from polydopamine, a natural compound found in humans and animals. The nanocoating reduces fire intensity by 67% and is about 20% better than existing flame retardants.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that US schools are not better prepared for pandemics than they were in 2011. Schools reported having less than half of the measured indicators for preparedness, with notable gaps in bioterrorism readiness and addressing student psychological needs.
Scientists tracked proteins from the C9orf72 gene, finding a specific protein helps transport essential proteins into motor neuron cells' nuclei. Misplacement of this protein can lead to cell death in diseases like ALS and FTD.
Researchers explore ways to expand and ease access to manufacturing services through web-based operating systems and apps. They aim to create interoperable, reliable, and secure cybermanufacturing systems that enable easy access and simplify design and manufacturing processes.
A new study by Ohio State researchers found that more than 40 percent of child car seats do not align properly with vehicle seats. The study analyzed 3,600 potential combinations and recommended measuring cars to ensure the best fit, as proper installation is crucial for child safety.
A recent study highlights the importance of in-person social connections for preventing depression in older adults. Individuals without regular face-to-face interactions had a significantly higher risk of developing depressive symptoms.
Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University have discovered a phenomenon where superconductivity promotes magnetization under certain conditions. This finding could lead to the development of spintronics devices that are more energy-efficient and stable, potentially replacing traditional computing methods.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz and Brigham Young University have developed a novel method for multiplex fluorescence detection on a small chip, enabling the rapid detection and identification of different flu virus subtypes. The technique uses wavelength division multiplexing to create distinctive signals in an optical waveguide.
Three new species of trombiculid mites and 23 new records of previously-known species have been found in Taiwan, increasing the total number of chigger species to 47. The discovery highlights the potential for more species to be discovered in mountainous regions.
The FRESH AIR project will adapt and test innovative ways to implement evidence-based practice in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chronic lung disease. Researchers from Plymouth University will use experience gained from previous projects involving pulmonary rehabilitation clinics and smoking cessation programmes.
Agricultural researchers propose using odors and nectars from wild plants to attract pest-eating predators, mimicking nature's defense against aphids and other insects. This approach could be achieved through breeding programs or artificial devices.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a liquid-cooling system that can be integrated directly onto chips, enabling the creation of denser and more powerful electronic systems. The system has been demonstrated to operate at temperatures significantly below those of air-cooled devices.
A new study at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found no increased risk of cardiovascular side effects or death in children with ADHD and severe heart conditions treated with stimulants. The medication also showed significant improvements in ADHD symptoms. Researchers are next studying the effect on electrocardiograms.
A predictive model that measures invasiveness facilitated by macrophages from each individual donor has been developed to guide treatment options for breast cancer. The model correlates the level of invasion through a collagen gel to chemical signals expressed by macrophages, providing an invasiveness index for each patient.
The study found that over 2,625 invasive plant species were offered for sale on eBay, with 35 being among the 100 worst invasive species. The plants are often sold by dealers in countries with lax regulations, making it difficult to track and control online trade.
A team of researchers at Technical University of Munich has found a way to repair defective mucins, which are key components of mucus. The repair mechanism involves replacing lost sugars with synthetic molecules, restoring the mucins' lubricative ability and paving the way for new treatment strategies.
Researchers at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine have discovered a mechanism that restricts human eye growth and prevents myopia. The study found that LRP2 acts as a clearance receptor for the growth factor Sonic Hedgehog, preventing overgrowth of the mammalian eye.
Scientists have created a nematode model using Caenorhabditis elegans to study cardiac arrhythmias. The model uses the nematode's feeding apparatus, which resembles the mammalian heart's muscle cells, to test substances for treating genetic arrhythmias.
Researchers at Montefiore Health System and Albert Einstein College of Medicine are exploring the impact of cognitive training on mobility among sedentary seniors. The study aims to develop effective interventions to improve cognitive functions and enhance mobility, with a focus on preventing disability in older Americans.
Researchers at Durham University have re-examined the economics of fusion, taking account of recent advances in superconductor technology. Their analysis shows that fusion energy could be financially feasible compared to traditional fission nuclear power. The study identifies new advantages in using this new technology.
Walter R. Frontera, MD, PhD, has received the 2015 Excellence in Rehabilitation of Aging Persons Award from the Gerontological Society of America (GSA). He is recognized for his work on skeletal muscle dysfunction and exercise to slow down and rehabilitate muscle weakness and atrophy in older adults.
Scientists at STRI in Panama compared the diets of two caterpillar species and found that generalist moth caterpillars could actively store toxic plant chemicals in their bodies. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding plant-insect coevolution and has potential medical applications.
A researcher is calling for updated guidelines on colorectal cancer screening, citing evidence that most patients with a family history of the disease can stop aggressive screening at age 65. The study found that the risk of colorectal cancer diagnosis decreases with increasing age in patients with a family history.
Keith Whitfield, PhD, of Duke University, received the GSA's 2015 Minority Issues in Gerontology Committee Outstanding Mentorship Award. He has mentored numerous colleagues in various fields and co-developed The Mentoring Effect to support mentorship within the Society.
A novel microalgae biomass technology has been developed by UniVerve Ltd., offering a scalable and cost-effective solution for the production of microalgae-biomass. The technology enables the extraction of high-quality oil, omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and other valuable biomaterials from the biomass.
A UT Arlington researcher is developing a comprehensive framework to analyze North Texas dams and detect damage from seismic activity. The framework will use geo-statistics and three key indicators of damage caused by earthquakes, including liquefaction, dynamic slope stability, and lateral spreading.
A $3.3 million multicenter study will track head impact exposure in over 3 million youth football players across the US. The research aims to improve helmet design and detect injuries earlier with advanced instrumentation, including sensors in helmets and mouthguards.
Researchers have developed a process to cover fragile perovskite layers with graphene, resulting in an ideal front contact. The graphene layer enhances transparency and reduces open-circuit voltage losses, increasing overall conversion efficiency.
Chalmers researchers discovered a new mechanism for breaking time-reversal symmetry in high-temperature superconductors, resulting in spontaneous magnetisation. The study utilizes a software package that leverages massive parallelization and graphics processing units to simulate realistic systems.
Barry Edelstein, a renowned geropsychologist, has been recognized with the GSA's Distinguished Mentorship in Gerontology Award. He is known for fostering excellence and making a major impact through his mentoring, inspiring students and colleagues across various fields.
The Disney Research app uses augmented reality to turn coloring books into a 3D experience, increasing motivation and connection in children. The app accurately colors the 3D character based on the user's coloring, creating an illusion of real-time application.
Bamosiran reduced IOP by similar magnitude across four doses, but failed to demonstrate non-inferiority to timolol in total population; showed excellent tolerability and non-inferiority at dose 1.125% in patients with baseline IOP >=25mmHg
The new guidelines promise to improve the detection of life-threatening tumors and reduce unnecessary biopsies, with the potential to save lives. The standards for acquiring and reporting MRI scans will be widely adopted, making it easier for doctors to identify significant cancers.
Researchers are combining physics, chemistry and mathematics to unlock the secrets of caves, a field known as speleophysics. Key areas include karst landform formation, evolution and movement, which affects approximately 20% of US fresh water supply and 10% in Europe.
The Lucy mission aims to survey the diversity of Trojan asteroids, which are believed to be remnants from the formation of the outer gas giants. The spacecraft will use remote-sensing instruments to study geologic and physical properties of the asteroid targets.
A recent study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that irrigation of cutaneous abscesses did not improve treatment success and may even increase the risk of microbiologic contamination. The study suggests that this procedure may not be necessary, potentially saving time and resources for emergency departments.
Several laboratories are developing exercise pills targeting skeletal muscle performance, aiming to improve strength and energy use. However, the benefits of exercise extend beyond muscular improvements, and it's unrealistic to expect pills to fully substitute physical exercise.
Researchers found exotic ticks carrying disease-causing bacteria on thousands of migratory birds arriving in the US each spring. The estimated 19 million exotic ticks introduced annually pose a potential threat to the ecosystem and human health.
The Algae Foundation has been awarded a three-year grant from the Department of Energy to develop an associate's degree in algal biology, cultivation, and technology. This program will strengthen industry workforce capabilities by focusing on skills needed for commercializing algal products.
A study of over 120,000 adults in Ontario found that 70% of those living at home were given a new opioid prescription between 2003 and 2012. Older adults with COPD, especially those in long-term care homes, were at risk of excessive opioid use, which can lead to falls, fractures, and other side effects.
A novel computational framework allows researchers to predict the properties of cellulose nanocomposites by modifying surface chemistry. The approach enables designing materials with targeted properties, such as improved hydrogen bonding with polymers.